Fact Sheet FPS-121
October, 1999
Chamaedorea microspadix1
Edward F. Gilman2
Introduction
This clumping palm has slender, bamboo-like, stems that
grow to about 7 feet tall (Fig. 1). New stems continually arise
from the base of the palm. These are smooth and pale green
with feathery fronds borne 3 to 4 inches apart. The fronds have
regularly spaced leaflets that are dull green in color with pointed
tips. The outer most two leaflets are 2 to 3 times wider than the
others. Small yellow-green flowers of the Microspadix Palm
are borne in showy clusters and on female plants are followed
by small, bright orange-red fruits.
General Information
Scientific name: Chamaedorea microspadix
Pronunciation: kam-ee-DOR-ee-uh mye-kroe-SPAY-dicks
Common name(s): Microspadix Palm, Bamboo Palm
Family: Palmae
Plant type: palm
USDA hardiness zones: 8B through 11 (Fig. 2)
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: specimen; screen; border; accent; mass planting; suitable
for growing indoors
Availablity: somewhat available, may have to go out of the
region to find the plant
Description
Figure 1. Microspadix Palm.
Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Plant habit: upright; palm
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: slow
Texture: medium
Foliage
Height: 5 to 8 feet
1.
This document is Fact Sheet FPS-121, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October 1999. Please visit the EDIS web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2.
Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University
of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Chamaedorea microspadix -- Microspadix Palm
Page 2
Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Leaf arrangement: spiral
Leaf type: even-pinnately compound
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: lanceolate
Leaf venation: parallel
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: yellow
Flower characteristic: flowers periodically throughout the year
Fruit
Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: less than .5 inch
Fruit cover: fleshy
Fruit color: red
Fruit characteristic: persists on the plant
Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping
stems; showy
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in the shade
Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay;
Drought tolerance: moderate
Soil salt tolerances: poor
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: sprouts from roots or lower trunk
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Trunk and Branches
October 1999
Chamaedorea microspadix -- Microspadix Palm
Page 3
Use and Management
The Microspadix Palm makes a great border or specimen
plant and is quite striking when planted in mass. It is also a
wonderful container plant for outdoor or indoor decoration. It
can be grown inside in a bright location. Old fronds turn brown
and hang on the plant for a considerable length of time. The
plant looks much neater when these are regularly removed.
This excellent garden palm tolerates high shade. Plants
can be acclimated to a partially sunny location with gradual
exposure. However, plants receiving regular fertilizer
applications appear much greener and more attractive than
those without fertilizer. Regular irrigation also appears to
encourage continued growth. The Microspadix Palm will do
well in a partially to fully shaded location in the landscape. It is
tolerant of short periods of drought and will be happy in most
well-drained soils.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases are of major concern.
October 1999